The 2026/27 Premier League season could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. While the usual title contenders will dominate the headlines, there are several clubs undergoing major transformations that could surprise everyone, and thus there are genuine reasons to believe some outsiders could dramatically outperform expectations.
Here are our top three Premier League dark horses for 2026/27:
3. Chelsea
Chelsea's biggest problem over the last few years has arguably been the lack of experience and leadership within their squad. The club invested heavily in young talent, but that youthful approach often left them without enough experienced heads to navigate difficult periods.
That has been reflected in their poor second-half Premier League form across recent seasons. Chelsea has frequently started campaigns with promise before losing consistency when pressure increased.
However, that problem now appears to be receiving serious attention.
The additions of Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck give Chelsea considerably more experience while the club continues investing in high-quality younger players. Morgan Rogers, signed from Aston Villa for a British-record £117 million, is perhaps the biggest example of that strategy.
Then there is Xabi Alonso.
The former Bayer Leverkusen boss brings a completely different managerial profile and has been given significant influence over Chelsea's new project. The combination of Alonso's tactical ideas, experienced additions and exciting young talent could finally give the Blues the balance they have been missing.
Another major advantage is the lack of European football. Chelsea can focus almost entirely on the Premier League, giving Alonso more time to prepare his team and potentially reducing the fatigue that can derail a league campaign.
A top-four finish is certainly realistic, but don't be surprised if Chelsea go even further.
2. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are undergoing perhaps the biggest identity revamp of any major Premier League club.
After finishing 17th last season, Spurs escaped relegation but are now attempting to transform themselves under Roberto De Zerbi. And their behaviour in this summer's transfer window has been particularly striking.
For once, Tottenham have started behaving like a club determined to make a statement.
They have spent enormous sums on midfield reinforcements, most notably Sandro Tonali for an initial £92.5 million, potentially rising to £100 million, and Mateus Fernandes for £85 million.
These aren't simply squad fillers. They are major investments designed to change the quality and personality of the team.
Spurs have also added Andy Robertson, whose experience, leadership and winning mentality could be invaluable to a side that desperately needs stability. The club are also expected to make further additions in attack before the transfer window closes.
The transformation is therefore about more than individual players. De Zerbi now has the tools to build a team that reflects his footballing philosophy.
Going from 17th to the Champions League places would still be an enormous leap, but Tottenham's aggressive recruitment means it cannot be completely dismissed.
Don't be shocked if Spurs finish in the Champions League spots.
1. Nottingham Forest
This might be the most controversial pick of the three, but Nottingham Forest are our No. 1 Premier League dark horse.
Yes, this is the same Forest side that only just survived relegation last season.
But the biggest reason for optimism is the appointment of Oliver Glasner.
The Austrian manager massively exceeded expectations at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League while transforming Palace into a highly competitive side. He also previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Now he has a fascinating opportunity at Forest.
The club have already made an ambitious statement by signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting, with the Ivory Coast defender agreeing to a four-year contract with an option for another year.
Forest are reportedly looking to strengthen further before the window closes, meaning Glasner could have a significantly improved squad by September.
Could Forest repeat what clubs such as Sunderland, Bournemouth and Brentford achieved last season by completely exceeding expectations?
Absolutely.
Finishing in at least a Conference League position would require an extraordinary improvement, so this is undoubtedly a bold prediction. It could even go completely wrong.
But if there is one manager capable of making it happen, Glasner has already shown that he can turn ambitious outsiders into genuine European contenders.
And that is precisely why Nottingham Forest are our No. 1 dark horse for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
